CHAP. XXVIII. V. 1-4. This chapter begins a new subject, principally relating to the Assyrian kings, and the devastations of Israel and Judah by them. Ephraim was the chief of the ten tribes of the kingdom of Israel: the rich valleys allotted to that tribe, were full of fruitful vineyards; Samaria was situated on a hill at the head of them; and its strength and beauty were as a crown and a glory, of which the people were very proud. There seems also to be an allusion to the garlands of flowers, with which the drunkards used to be crowned and adorned at the revels, in which they were overcome and stupified by wine. (Notes, 7,8. John 4:5-9.) Shalmaneser was the "mighty and strong one," ," whom the Lord had prepared to cast them down by his hand, like a hail-storm, or an inundation. ( Notes ,
i 41:16. 45:25. 60:1-3,19. 62:3. Jera 9:23,24, Zech. 6:13-15, Luke 2:32. 1 Cor. 1:30,31. 2 Cor. 4:17. 1 Pet. 5:4.
In Deut. 20:4. Josh. 1:9. Ps. 18:32-34.46:1,11. 144:1,2,10. 0 19:14.56:10-12. Lev. 10:9, 10. Prov. 20:1. 31:4,5. Ec. 10:17. Ez. 44:21. Hos. 4:11. Mic. 2:11. Matt. 24:49. Luke 21:34. Eph. 5:18.
p Ps. 107:27. marg. q 3:12. 9:16. Jer. 14:14. 23:13, 16. Lam. 2:14. Ez. 13:7. Hos. 4:12.
r Prov. 26:11. Jer. 48:26. Hab. 2:15,16.
'to pieces against the ground.' Lowth .
Then their crown of pride, and their drunkards also would be trodden together under feet: their honor and beauty would be as a fading flower, and they would be greedily devoured as the first ripe fig, which being discerned when no other fruit is to be had, is hastily seized and eaten up immediately. ( Note , Hos . 9:9,10.) - 'No soon'er doth the boccore (the early fig) draw near to 'perfection, in the middle, or latter end of June, 'than the kermez , or summer-fig, begins to be 'formed, though it rarely ripens before August; 'about which time the saine tree frequently 'throws out a third crop, or the winter-fig, as 'we may call it.
This is usually of a much longer shape and darker complexion than the 'kermez, hanging and ripening upon the tree 'even after the leaves are shed: and, provided 'the winter proves mild and temperate, is gath'ered as a delicious morsel in the spring.' Shaw's Travels , quoted by Bp . Lowth .
V. 5, 6. At the very time, when Israel was finally ruined, Judah had a transient return of prosperity under the government of Hezekiah. Notes , 2 Kings 17:18:20:) He trusted in God, and did every thing that was in his power to reform his people. ( Notes , 2 Chr. 29:-31:) And the Lord of hosts himself was the "Crown of glory and Diadem of beauty," to Hezekiah and the residue of believers in Judah: for their sakes, he endued the magistrates and counsellors with the spirit of discernment and equity, and gave courage and conduct to the captains, who led forth their troops out of the gate of Jerusalem, or carried back the war even to the gates of their enemies. ( Notes , 11:2-5, Ps 90:13-17. Prov. 18:10,11.)
V. 7, 8. Even in Judah, and after Hezekiah's reformation, iniquity was very prevalent. The Jews also were addicted to intemperance: and not only the common people, but likewise
17-19. 8:6-8.25:3-5.30:29-32. Matt . 7:24 both the priests and prophets were given up -27.) "With the hand." That is with great to drunkenness. ( Note , Lev. 10:8-11.) This 'force, as when an earthen vessel is dashed | swallowed up their judg judgment and conscience, 9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? || precept; line upon line, line upon line, and whom shall he make to understand here a little, and there a little; that they * doctrine? them that are tweaned from the might go, and fall backward, and be broken, milk, and drawn from the breasts. and snared, and taken.
10 For "precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest, and this is the refreshing: yet they would
not hear.
13 But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon
s 30:10-12. Ps. 50:17. Prov. 1:29,30. Jer. 5:31. 6:10. John 3:19. 12:38,47,48.
* Heb. the hearing. 53:1. marg. t Ps. 131:2. Matt. 11:25. 21:15,
16. Mark 10:15. 1 Pet. 2:2. u 13. 5:4. Deut. 6:1-6. 2 Chr. 36:15,16. Neh. 9:29,30. Jer. 11:7. 25:3-7. Matt. 21:3441. Phil. 3:1. 2 Tim. 3:7. Heb. 5:12.
Or, hath been. Deut. 28:49. Jer. 5:15. 1 Cor. 14:21.
Heb. stammerings of lips. Or, he hath spoken.
y 30:15. 2 Chr. 14:11. 16:8,9. Jer. 6:16. Matt. 11:28,29. z Ps. 81:11-13. Jer. 44:16. Zech. 7:11-14. Heb. 12:25. a 10. Jer. 23:36-38.
so that they taught false doctrines, fell into most atrocious errors, and decreed unrighteousness: ( Notes , 5:22,23. 56:10-12. Esth . 2:1. 3:12-15. Prov. 31:4-7. Hos. 4:5-7. Hab . 2: 15-17) and through their example, the nation was generally led to wallow in drunkenness, their tables were every where polluted with it, and scarcely any place was clean from it. There was, however, a remnant of another character, and for their sakes the city was spared. "Even these have erred through wine." Bp. Lowth .
V. 9-11. The pious king of Judah, and Isaiah with other prophets were very desirous of instructing the people: but they were so hardened in vice, and so early initiated into it, that there were scarcely any, who would give them a hearing; except they could teach the infants, that were hanging upon their mother's breasts, or newly weaned from them. Or, the people were so intent upon their pleasures, that they must be torn from them to receive instruction, as the infant is from the breast.
It was necessary in all cases, to use much repetition, to dwell long upon every topic, and to teach the people a little on one occasion, and a little on another, as they were able to bear it; because of their ignorance and unteachableness.
But this disgusted many of them, who seem to have turned the instructions of the prophets into ridicule: and, having catched up some detached expressions, such as these here used, and which have a remarkable allitera- tion in the original; they contemptuously mimicked their language and manner, and entertained one another by taking them off. -Therefore the Lord determined to teach them by the Assyrians and Chaldeans, who might indeed stammer out insults and menaces in the Hebrew tongue, but would in other things speak a language which they could not understand: for he would use these strangers to scourge such as refused to hear his word. ( Notes , Deut . 28:49-57.
Jer. 5:15-18, v. 15. 1 Cor. 14: 20-25.) 'The scoffers mentioned below (14) 'are here introduced as uttering their senten'tious speeches; they treat God's method of 'dealing with them, and warning them by his 'prophets with contempt and derision. What, 'say they, doth he treat us as mere infants just 'weaned? doth he teach us as little children,
[Practical Observations.)
14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem:
15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement: when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us; for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
16 Therefore thus saith the Lord God,
b 6:9,10. 8:14,15. Ps. 69:22. Matt. 21:44. Rom. 11:9. 2 Cor. 2:16. 1 Pet. 2:7,8. 2 Pet. 3:16.
с 22. 1:10. 5:9.29:20. Prov. 1: 22. 3:34. 29:8. Hos. 7:5. Acts 13:41.
d 5:18,19. Job 15:25-27. Jer. 44:17. Ez. 8:12. Zeph. 1:12. e 8:7,8. Dan. 11:22.
f 30:10. Jer. 5:31. 14:13,14. 16: 19. 28:15-17. Ez. 13:16,22. Am. 2:4. Jon. 2:8. 2 Thes. 2:9-11.
'perpetually inculcating the same elementary lessons, the mere rudiments of knowledge; 'precept after precept, line after line, here and 'there, by little and little? imitating at the same 'time, and ridiculing (10) the concise propheti'cal manner. God retorts upon them with 'great severity their own contemptuous mock'ery; turning it to a sense quite different from 'what they intended.
Yes, saith he, it shall be 'in fact as ye say: ye shall be taught by a 'strange tongue, and a stammering lip, in a 'strange country, ye shall be carried into cap'tivity by a people whose language shall be un'intelligible to you, and which ye shall be forc'ed to learn like children: and my dealing with 'you shall be according to your own words: it 'shall be command upon command, for your 'punishment: it shall be line upon line, stretch'ed over you to mark out your destruction. (Comp. 2 Kings 21:13.) It shall come upon 'you at different times and by different degrees; 'till the judgments, with which from time to 'time I have threatened you, shall have their 'full accomplishment.' Bp .
Lowth .
V. 12, 13. The prophets had pointed out to the people the true way of finding rest and comfort, amid their enemies and trouble, by trusting and waiting on God; but they did not choose to hearken: ( Notes , 30:15-17. Jer . 6:16, 17. Matt . 11:28-30. 23:37-39.) and therefore, the constant and frequent instructions, which they treated with contempt, hastened and aggravated their condemnation; inducing them to depart still further from God, till they were broken by their enemies, snared in their own policy, and taken in Satan's net. ( Marg . Ref . -Notes , 9—11. 6:9,10. 8:11-15. 1 Pet . 2:7,8.)
V. 14, 15. When the prophets denounced the vengeance of God against the people, they treated it with mockery, and ridicule; especially the scornful rulers of Jerusalem, and the priests and prophets before mentioned. ( Marg . Ref . c.-Note, 9-11.) They boasted that they were in league with death and hell; ( Notes , Job 5:20-23. Hos . 2:18-20.) and should be safe, even when the judgments of God deluged the land. ( Notes , 17-19. 8:6-8. Dan . 9:25-27.) For they had formed such confederacies, and devised such politic schemes, as would secure them: though the prophets called these devices and alliances refuges of lies and falsehood;
Behold, I lay in Zion for a Foundation, || with hell shall not stand; when the overa Stone, a tried Stone, a precious Corner- flowing scourge shall pass through, then ye stone , a sure Foundation: he that believeth shall be *trodden down by it. shall not make haste.
19 From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to under
17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and he hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding-stand the report.
place.
20 For the bed is shorter than that 18 And your covenant with death a man can stretch himself on it , and the shall be disannulled, and your agreement covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.
g 8:14. Gen 49:10. Ps. 118: 22. Tech. 3:9. Matt. 21:42. Mark 12:10. Luke 20:17,18. Acts 4:11,12. Rom. 11,33. 10: 11. 1 Cor. 3:11. Eph. 2:20. 1 Pet. 2:6-8.
h 30:18. Ps. 112:7,3. 3,4. Jam. 5:7,8.
i 10:22.
Hab. 2:
2 Kings 21:13. Ps. 94:15. Am. 7:7-9. Rom. 2:
2,5,6. 9:28. Rev. 19:2. k 2,15. 25:4. 32:2,18,19. Ex. 9: 18,19. Josh. 10:11. Jer. 7:4 8,14,20, 23:19, 30:23,24. Ez. 13:10-16.38:22. Rev. 8:7. 11: 19, 16:21.
130:28. Job 22:16. Dan. 11: 22. Matt. 7:27. 2 Pet. 3:6,7. m 7:7. 8:10. Jer. 44:28. Ez. 17: 15. Zech. 1:6.
and though they were grounded in deceit and hypocrisy. Perhaps this may refer to some league, which they were attempting to make with Egypt, to assist them against the Assyrians. ( Notes , 30:1-7.31:1-5. Ez . 13:5-22.) -'Our arts of cunning and falsenood will se'cure us, in the most difficult times. They are 'not supposed to have said thus much in ex'press terms, but this was their true meaning. '30:10. Lowth .
V. 16. This gracious promise, introducing the subsequent denunciations of approaching judgments, was well suited to give to the the pious ous remnant an encouraging assurance, that the Assyrians should not prevail against Judah, as they had done against Israel. ust Israel. ( Note , 7:14.) 'This prophecy cannot belong to any but Christ, t Christ, to whom it is often applied in the New Testament.
But it may import import thus much, 'with respect to the time wherein Isaiah lived; 'that he should never be disappointed who believes in God, whose dwelling is in Zion; and 'bath made peculiar promises to the Jewish 'church and kingdom, which shall eminently 'be fulfilled at the coming of the Messiah.' Lowth . The person and salvation of Christ are, in this remarkable prediction, represented under the figure of "a Foundation," on which some magnificent structure was about to be erected.
For the spiritual temple is built on Christ, his Person, and Mediation; with the whole plan and purpose of God for glorifying his great name, in the salvation of sinners: as well as every human hope of mercy, and future happiness. This "Foundation was laid in Zion," where the Lord dwelt upon his mercyseat amidst his chosen people. JEHOVAH himself laid it, according to his eternal counsels, and his predictions from the beginning; by the incarnation of Christ, by carrying him through his work, by exalting him in human nature to the mediatorial throne, and by sending the gospel to the nations.
This Foundation is a Stone of such stability and excellency, as to support the immense and glorious edifice, which is to endure to all eternity. It is "a tried Stone," approved by God, and all his saints and servants.
It is "a Corner-stone," compacting together the whole building: "a precious Corner-stone," in the sight of the Lord, and of every believer: and a most sure Foundation; so that every one, who in any age or cation believes this testimony, and rests all his hopes and his immortal soul on Christ, shall never be put to flight, or confusion, as one in haste to escape impending danger: for he shall be safe, and know himself safe, and shall VOL. IV
"quietly_wait the salvation of the Lord." ( Marg . Ref . Notes, Rom . 9:30–33. 1 Cor. 3: 10-15. Eph . 2:19--22. 1 Pet . 2:4-8.)-The Septuagint render the last clause, "shall not be ashamed;" and it is thus quoted in the New Testament. - 'He that believes shall rest him'self contented with this all-sufficient means of 'his comfort and salvation; and shall not either hasten to look out for other helps, or be asham'ed of trusting to this.' Bp . Hall .
V. 17-19. The judgments, which were coming on the scornful rulers and people of Judah, are here contrasted with the safety and well grounded confidence of every believer, as stated in the preceding verse. For the Lord was about to execute impartial justice on the wicked, according to his strict and holy law; as the builder carries on his work by the line, and the plummet. ( Notes , 10:21-23. 2 Kings 21: -13. Ez . 40:3. Am . 7:7-9.
Rev. 11:1,2.) Then the storm of his indignation would sweep away every false confidence; of the scorners would end in despair; ( Notes , 9-15.) they would be trodden down by the instruments of his vengeance; destruction would march forth against them, and come nearer and nearer, by day and by night; so that the very report of their miseries at a distance would be a vexation and terror, to all who heard of them. The calamities and alarms occasioned by Sennacherib's invasion, and his gradual approach to besiege Jerusalem, might be a partial accomplishment of these predictions.
But neither that event, nor even the Babylonish captivity, nor any of their calamities till the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, after their obstinate rejection of Christ, the Corner-stone, fully answers the import of these verses. ( Marg . Ref .)
confidence; the presumption
V. 20. 'A mashal , or proverbial saying; the 'meaning of which is, that they will find all 'means of defence and protection insufficient 'to secure them, and cover them from the evils 'coming upon them.... Their beds were only 'mattresses laid on the floor; and the coverlet, 'a sheet, or in the winter a carpet, laid over it, 'in which the person wrapt himself.' Bp . Lowth .-Neither the confederacy of the Jews with Egypt, nor any of their politics, could defend them against the Assyrians, or Chaldeans: neither their temple, altar, sacrifices, nor Pharisaicel righteousness could recommend them to the favor of God, when they rejected Christ: nor could their numbers and fortifications defend them against the Romans, when God forsook them, and became their enemy ( Notes , 57:11-13. 59:38. Rom. 9:30–33. 10:1 [97
-4.)-'Two proverbial expressions, importing 'that all worldly comforts are insufficient to 'cure the maladies they are applied to; and 'that human devices are too short to secure us 'against the hand of Providence, whenever 'that will find us out to punish us. And there'fore we ought not to rely too much on out'ward means: much less betake ourselves to 'evil arts for our security, but commit our
and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat, and the appointed barley, and the frye in their + place?
26 For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him.
27 For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart-wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod.
28 Bread- corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen.
29 This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in coun sel, and excellent in working.
* Or, the wheat in the principal place, and the barley in the appointed place. †Or, spelt. Ex. 9:31,32, Heb. border.
Or, And he bindeth it in such sort as his God doth teach him .
b Ex. 28:3. 31:3-6. 36:2. Job 35:11. 39:17. Ps. 144:1. Dan.
1:17. Jam. 1:17.
c 41:15. 2 Kings 13:7. Am. 1:3. d 27:7,8. Jer. 10:24. 46:28. e 21:10. Am. 9:9. Matt. 3:12. 13:37-43. Luke 22:31,32. John 12:24. 1 Cor. 3:9. 9:9,10. f 27.
g 21,22, 9:6. Job 5:9. 37:23. Ps. 40:5, 92:5. Jer. 32:19. Dan. 4.
2,3.
and Judah, and with different descriptions of men, are here illustrated by apt similitudes, to which the prophet demanded their earnest attention. The plowman varies his work as the case requires, "not plowing every day;" he carefully prepares the ground for the seed, and sows it with different kinds of pulse, or grain, each in its appointed spot, the wheat in the principal place as being most valuable.
'selves to God in well doing, as the surest Ref- || And when he has gathered in his harvest, he
'nge in the time of trouble. Lowth .
V.21, 22. ( Notes , Josh . 10:10-14, vv . 10,12.) 'The destruction of the Philistines is there com'pared to a breach of waters; (2 Sam . 5:20.) the 'same resemblance which is here used. (19) 'Those extraordinary manifestations of God's 'power at Perazim and Gibeon, were for the deliverance of his people, and the destruction 'of their enemies, but now God will act con'trary to his usual proceedings of grace and 'mercy, and employ his power in destroying his 'own people.' Lowth .
Perhaps his most extraordinary interposition, in cutting off the army of Sennacherib, in answer to Hezekiah's faith and prayer, and after the hopes of unbelievers had failed, may be alluded to. But his "strange work," which the Jews took it for granted he never would do, was the rejection of them from being his people, numbering them among his enemies, and rising up • for their destruction by the Romans, as he had done against the Canaanites and Philistines, by the hands of Joshua and Israel. (Notes, Hab. 1:5.
Acts 13:38-41.) The prophet therefore warns the people to "give themselves to scoffing no more," ( Bp . Lowth ,) lest they should be bound in strong bands, unto the execution of his righteous indignation: for he had certainly "heard from the LORD of hosts, that he had determined a consumption upon the whole land."-The Babylonish captivity was here predicted, but not that event alone: for the prophets addressed their writings to those of succeeding generations, as well as those to whom they were more immediately sent. ( Notes , 10:21-23. Dan . 9:24-27. Rom . 9:2429, υυ . 27,28.)
V. 23-29. The dealings of God with Israel
knows how to separate the corn from the straw, and the chaff, according to the methods of the time and place in which he lives; and to the nature of the grain, that he may not injure it, but prepare it for his use. ( Notes , 21: 10. 41:15,16. Deut . 25:4. Hos . 10:9-11. Am . 1: 3-5. Mic . 4:11-13.) Four methods of thresh'ing are here mentioned, by different instru'ments; the flail, the drag, the wain, and the 'treading of the cattle. The staff or flail was 'used for the infirmiora semina, says Hieron. 'The grain that was too tender to be treated 'in the other methods.
The drag consisted of 'a sort of frame of strong planks, made rough 'at the bottom with hard stones or iron. It 'was drawn by horses or oxen over the corn'sheaves spread on the floor, the driver sit'ting upon it. The wain was much like the 'former; but had wheels with iron teeth, or 'edges like a saw. This not only forced out 'the grain, but cut the straw in pieces for fod'der for the cattle; for in the eastern countries 'they have no hay.... The last method is well 'known from the law of Moses. Deut . 25:4.' Bp . Lowth .
Thus the Lord, who has given man this wisdom and discretion, must himself be wonderful in counsel and excellent in operation. As the season and occasion requires, he threatens, corrects, spares, shews mercy, or executes vengeance.
He distinguishes between one character and another, with the greatest exactness; and orders every thing according to the counsel of his own will, and for his own glory: he appoints his various dispensations, for the due correction of his people, and in order to separate them from his enemies, and from their sins: he will take care that no trials shall eventually injure his ser
All that glory and beauty, of which men are proud, will prove a mere "fading flower:" and that affluence which is considered as a crown and ornament, frequently tempts to excess, and thus disgraces its possessor.
They, who are "overcome by wine," are overcome by Satan; for all drunkards are his slaves, and must sink under the final wrath of God, except they repent.-The Lord will abase all the proud; but they, who pride themselves in wickedness, will be rendered peculiarly contemptible.When the Lord determines to execute vengeance on the ungodly, he has many and mighty instruments at his command, who readily bear down and destroy all before them. Happy then are they alone, who glory in the Lord of hosts himself!
His favor and image, communion with him, and communications from him, suffice to enrich the poorest and to ennoble the meanest; they form "a crown of glory and diadem of beauty," superior to any distinctions and decorations of earthly monarchs and conquerors; and thence his people derive wisdom, strength, and courage, for every service and for every conflict. Thus some are qualified for the ministry, and others for the magistracy; and others to defend their country, or lay down their lives in the cause of God. ( Notes , 2 Cor . 12:7-10.
Phil . 4:10-13.)-Whilst the Sovereign of the world leaves some guilty nations to fill up the measure of their iniquities, and gives them up to ruin; he raises up eminent reformers, and preserves a remnant of believers, in other nations, whose prayers and labors prolong their tranquillity. Yet every attempt to promote true religion has hitherto been attended with unspeakable discouragement. Even under the most scriptural means of grace, multitudes have continued ungodly; and have copied the examp example of the open enemies of God, rather than that of his most honored servants.
And alas! the nominal ministers of religion have frequently been
in despising the message of God. Such men ripen apace for destruction: the Lord will teach them by other methods; "for judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools." Indeed, evil is before all, who refuse to hearken to the proposals of mercy in the gospel, and to seek the holy rest and consolations, which God has provided for the weary and heavy-laden sinner. It is very painful for the minister of Christ to reflect, when he is endeavoring to instruct, convince, warn, persuade, alarm, or encourage his hear ers; that numbers of them will thence take oсcasion "to go and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken." He must, however, go on, even though scorners be found among rulers, whether in church or state, being satisfied that he speaks according to the word of God.
V. 14-29.
When we declare the vengeance of the Lord against all those who "trust in refuges of lies," we should expect to hear loud clamors against our bigotry and want of charity; and scornful infidels will divert themselves, and each other, even with the most scriptural denunciations of hell and damnation.
They have no fears in that respect, and deride those who have, as men of narrow, weak, and superstitious minds: and they speak and act, as if indeed "they had made a covenant with death, and were at agreement with hell," and were secured against the vengeance of God; having made those things their refuge, which we are as sure, are lies and falsehoods, as that the Bible is the truth of God.
He has laid one Foundation, and no man can lay any other: this is tried, approved, and precious; and "he that believeth shall never be confounded." But let men contrive and endeavor whatever they please: if they do not build on this Foundation, and be not interested in the incarnate God and Savior; if his person, character, and offices be not precious to their souls; their hopes will be found delusion and presumption; the storm of death and judgment will "sweep away their refuges of lies, and overflow their hiding- h place;" their "covenant with death shall be disannulled;" and the execution of the righteous sentence of God, according to his holy
the ringleaders in impiety and scandalous in-law, will be so dreadful, that the very report
temperance: and when they are "swallowed up of wine," no wonder that they wander out of the way, teach false doctrine, stumble in judgment, are blind guides, and go before those to the pit of destruction, whom they have
of it is sometimes, even now, intolerably vexatious to them. For whatever men trust to, for justification, except the righteousness of Christ; or for wisdom, strength, and holiness, except the regenerating and new creating in
misled by their erroneous teaching, and hard-fluences of the Holy Spirit; or for happiness,
ened by their flagitious example. Thus excess and riot become common, till no place is clean from filthiness; men's "ears are turned away from the truth, and are turned unto fables;" and the few who are able and willing to teach the people knowledge, and to cause them to understand doctrine, find them alienated, and entirely unteachable; having the incapacity, levity, and heedlessness of children, without their simplicity.
In such circumstances, the most scriptural and rational method of inculcating divine truth, by repeated plain instructions, and particular cautions, warnings, and exhortations, excite disgust: and those who are too much engaged in excess or dissipation, to bestow any pains to understand the word of God, absurdly set up for critics; and censure or ridicule the ablest ministers, who give themselves wholly to their work!
To keep themselves in countenance, they watch for something in the language or gestures of the minister, which they can misrepresent and deride; and thus they quiet their consciences
except the favor of almighty God; will be found "a bed which is shorter, than that a man can stretch himself on it, and a covering which is narrower, than that a man can wrap himself in it." Let sinners then fear becoming mockers, lest they be bound in the strong cords of their own iniquity; for the Lord has unalterably decreed the destruction of all ungodly men, throughout the whole earth.
But men presume because God spares them from day to day: not knowing that he has his method and seasons of operation; and knows how to deal with all his creatures, as may best answer the purposes of his glory.
For he, who gives natural wisdom to the husbandman. (as well as spiritual wisdom to the believer,) is himself "wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working." He has not yet made all ready for the great day of account: and sinners have not yet filled up the measure of their crimes, nor performed their part in the universal plan of him, "who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will;" and therefore they are spared.
His people are not yet fully purified from their sins, and have not yet sufficiently shewn the power of his grace; and therefore they are kept in tribulation. But "he knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the wicked to the day of judgment to be punished." (Note, 2 Pet . 2:4-9.) The visible church is his husbandry, and professed Christians are the corn of his floor, mingled with the straw and chaff: but he knows how to make a separation by means of trials and persecutions; he will so moderate these, that they shall do his people no harm; when their end is answered they shall cease; his "wheat shall be gathered into his garner, but the chaff shall be burnt with unquenchable fire." (Note, Matt . 3: 11,12.)
NOTES.
3 And I will d camp against thee round about, and will lay siege against thee with a mount, and I will raise forts against thee.
4 And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust.
5 Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff
of divine justice in the punishment of sin; so should Jerusalem be filled with slain men, and consumed with fire by the avenging justice of God. This will not allow us to interpret the chapter exclusively of Sennacherib's invasion. He distressed Jerusalem, but did not render the city like the altar of burnt-offering.
“It 'shall be unto me as the hearth of the great 'altar."-Some suppose it' (the name Ariel) 'to be taken from the hearth of the great altar of burnt-offerings, which Ezekiel plainly calls 'by the same name; and that Jerusalem is here 'considered as the seat of the fire of God אור אל , 'which should issue from thence to consume 'his enemies; comp. 31:9.' ... Ironically, 'Go on 'year after year, keep your solemn feasts; yet 'know that God will punish you for your hypo'critical worship.... Probably delivered at the 'time of some great feast when they were thus 'employed.
It shall be ... all on flame, as it 'was when taken by the Chaldeans; or covered 'with carcasses and blood, as when taken by the 'Romans; an intimation of which more distant 'events, though not immediate subjects of the 'prophecy, may perhaps be given in this ob'scure passage.' Bp. Lowth . (Note, Ez . 43:13 -17, v . 15.) - 'The city which David besieged , (in which sense the word is taken in the third 'verse;) implying that the enemy should dis'tress it in the same manner.' Lowth.